Some of the very best lighting conditions for wildlife photography happen when atmospherics are volatile, where the atmosphere is mixed and punchy with energy and importantly when there is moisture in the air. That incredible light that comes shortly before a thunderstorm is my absolute favourite, it’s spectacular… like a window from above. The light quality is utterly superb but fleeting and never ceases to surprise me as it often happens when all else is lost and you are just about to put your camera away for the day. I love it too as it makes you feel alive, appreciative of better conditions and never to take it for granted.

The images below are just a few random examples of images captured during poor conditions or those when the heavens really were about to open and a deluge ensue. Or, where the conditions were unexpectedly foggy, as was the case with the zebra first thing in the morning on the Masai Mara, Kenya. It did make for some atmospheric shots in all and burned off quickly but not quite what you might expect. Conditions in the north however, I would always go expecting poor weather such as with the musk ox in Norway or grizzly bear in Alaska. Luckily now, cameras have far more weatherproofing than ever but it’s always useful to have a waterproof bag to quickly shove you kit in if it turns out to be a wee bit more than a damp day. I always have one tucked into my camera bag, it’s often used as a good way of not having to sit for hours with a soggy backside too and can double up as a wet bag for clothes that haven’t dried out and you need to travel.

What I love about ‘bad weather’ photography is the sky. It can show hidden depths and great contrasts to your subject. I love how the dismal sky of the penguin shot makes his brilliant orange and yellow pop out at you, lending emphasis to these areas of his body and accentuating the subtle blending of the colours around his neck and further onto his chest. The whiteness of the sand is also highlighted together with the subtle tones of the vegetation behind him. In others it’s not the colour that is emphasised but the habitat and the harshness of it, the fact that these creatures have to tough it out no matter what the unpredictable weather throws at them. The slightly soggy fur perfectly evolved for the situation and keeping them snug and dry underneath.

Then there are that poor cheetah family. Mum not looking too pleased at the incoming weather, I’m sure we momentarily had the same look on our faces too at the time when we glanced at the horizon. But, wow what light! just seconds before the deluge. If you look carefully you can see the very first raindrops falling around them. Here they were, out in the middle of the plain, no cover in sight and on the muddy patch of an old termite mound. They had no choice but to stay on this little island given that all around them were prides of lion and leopards hanging out in tree, just waiting for the opportunity to teach them a lesson. Not so much hiding in plain sight but sitting and hoping to pass the storm and the night without incident. You’ll be glad to know they survived. Getting back to camp for us was quite a challenge, slipping and sliding all over the place trying hard not to get stuck and trying to avoid a shower of cold rainwater pouring down your neck from the leaky canvas roof of the Landcruiser whilst wrestling the steering wheel.

Even at sundown and in the rain you can get some incredible cloud formations highlighted by the setting sun as seen here in the image of Galle, Sri Lanka during a particularly loud and energetic thunderstorm, serving as a reminder that there is always blue sky and light above, despite the darkness and the rain. So if in doubt, keep shooting… keep trying… you never know you might just be rewarded. If not, then there is always that most welcome of cuppas afterwards as you watch your sodden clothes gently steaming as they dry. Brew anyone?